Entering the Palace

"Princess, it has been so many days; why hasn't the heir returned?" Despite knowing in her heart that the princess held a special significance for Lord Lan, Bai Pingting couldn't shake her feelings of unease. Since the day after their grand wedding, he had left and never returned to the palace. Although Lei Yun and Lei An were carefully tending to matters within the residence and the other servants dared not voice their opinions, Bai Pingting still harbored a lingering resentment.

She gazed at Feng Xianyue, who leaned against the railing, facing the lakeside. The princess had taken to spending her days in this spot, at times lost in thought while gazing at the azure waves, but more often admiring the blooming pear blossoms. In those moments, a smile would light up the princess's face, though she never spoke of it. Bai Pingting knew well that deep down, the princess was not entirely indifferent.

"Sister Pingting, do you know what I was just thinking?"

Leaning back against the column, she pointed at the snow-like petals drifting in the air and suddenly walked over to lie down on the ground.

"Princess."

Xianyue made a gesture for silence. The untainted petals landed softly on her eyelashes, and she smiled as she brushed them away, twirling one in her fingers. "If someone comes, let me know."

Bai Pingting nodded and sat beside her. For some inexplicable reason, the sight of the blooming pear blossoms filled her with delight.

The two of them—one lying on the ground and the other sitting—were oblivious to the purple figure standing at the entrance.

"Sister Pingting, I was just contemplating whether to seek out Lord Lan and clarify everything."

She turned her head, her gaze fixed on Bai Pingting, her eyes filled with an unexplainable sincerity, shimmering with unarticulated emotions.

"I keep telling myself, since I am here, I should find peace in it. I trusted him enough to leave my brother back in Feng Country and come to this unfamiliar place. I know he loves me, and everyone has their own struggles. He must have his reasons for acting this way, and if he chooses not to share, it must be due to his own reservations. Since we trust one another, we should give each other space and not force the issue, much like you and my brother. Even if there is affection between you, and even if there was a chance for you to be together, circumstances still prevent you from uniting. I believe my situation with Lan Yixuan is similar; even though we are now husband and wife, we will still face obstacles that keep us apart."

Bai Pingting gazed at Xianyue, feeling a surge of happiness for her own decision to accompany the princess to Lan Country. It truly was a wise choice. At least now, the princess had someone with whom to converse. Alone, she could bear the weight of her circumstances, but the pressure would surely be far greater. If something were to happen in Lan Country, the princess would undoubtedly shoulder it alone to spare her concerns. Thus, the prince had arranged for her to accompany the princess.

In this moment, Xianyue also yearned for someone to share her thoughts with. After finally reuniting with her brother, she had only just arrived in Lan Country, yet the outcome was not what she had anticipated. While she empathized with Lan Yixuan, she could not help but feel discomfort. After all, he held a significant place in her heart; how could there be no lingering feelings?

"Behind Pear Blossom Mountain lies a vast expanse of pear trees. During the season when the pear blossoms bloom, I love to lie on the grassy ground beneath the trees, gazing at the blossoms under the sun. They remind me of my brother's smile, and no matter how troubled I feel, it always lifts my spirits. Sister Pingting, do you know what Lord Lan asked me that day? He inquired if I regretted coming here, assuring me that it was not too late to turn back. I knew something must have happened, yet he revealed nothing to me."

"Princess."

Bai Pingting called softly, understanding somewhat the turmoil within her heart. It was akin to her own feelings for the prince; she had given so much, and despite knowing her affections were acknowledged, he still rejected her. Yet, even so, she harbored no regrets, as long as she felt it was worthwhile. The princess understood this too, for she wished to harbor no grievances against the heir.

"In my eyes, only my brother is worthy of these pear blossoms—pure and untainted. His love for me is devoid of any impurities. He has never done anything to make me feel sad or distressed. Therefore, no matter what happens in the future, I will always choose my brother."

The final statement was declared with fervor, as if she sought to dispel the turmoil entangling her heart. Yet, the underlying anxiety deepened. If that day ever came, there would likely be heartache, perhaps even discomfort, but there would be no hesitation—none whatsoever.

"Princess, what's the matter?"

Bai Pingting noticed a sudden pallor on Xianyue's face, causing her to gasp in alarm and inquire urgently.

Xianyue waved her hand. "I'm fine." As she spoke, she sat up from the ground, positioning herself beside Bai Pingting. "As long as I don't regret it now, that's enough. If Lord Lan doesn't return tonight, I will seek him out and demand clarity."

With her gloomy demeanor from the previous days lifted, she felt revitalized. Instead of remaining here in fear and worry, she preferred to resolve matters at once. It had been several days since Lan Yixuan had avoided her; avoidance served no purpose. Evading issues would never yield substantial solutions. There were many things she had yet to accomplish, and she could not remain hidden in her shell.

Bai Pingting smiled at Xianyue, nodding in agreement.

The purple figure stood motionless, watching the white-clad figure beneath the pear trees, lingering for some time before departing.

The two of them leaned back against each other, seated under the pear blossom trees, sharing laughter and conversation, when suddenly, Lei An entered, accompanied by a small eunuch. Upon seeing them sitting on the ground, his brow furrowed momentarily before relaxing. He knelt before them, declaring, "Greetings to the princess."

Xianyue remained leaning against the tree root, showing no intention of rising. She was the prince's consort and the princess of Feng Country; any actions she took were inherently justified, and others could neither comment nor challenge her. Moreover, unlike Ning Yunya, everyone knew she had grown up in the world of martial arts, so even if her behavior deviated from court etiquette, it was of little consequence.

"What is it?"

Bai Pingting had already stood up, positioning herself behind Xianyue as she addressed the kneeling eunuch.

"This is what the queen dowager has sent for you."

The young eunuch knelt on the ground, hesitating to rise as he attempted to hand a document to Xianyue. However, Bai Pingting interceded and took it from him, passing it to Xianyue. Xianyue did not immediately open the invitation but gestured for the eunuch to rise. "You may stand up now."

In truth, her desire was to reprimand Lei An; the eunuch was of little concern. What truly irked her was Lan Yixuan's indifference towards her in recent days. As his personal attendant, the eunuch naturally bore the brunt of her frustrations.

Xianyue opened the invitation, which contained nothing more than polite phrases, expressing that she had not yet been welcomed to Lan Country after her arrival and that the event would be a casual family dinner that evening, urging her to attend. She mused to herself about the queen dowager's thoughtfulness; she certainly afforded her daughter-in-law the proper respect. Given Lan Yixuan's absence from the palace these days, the queen must have been aware of this. Xianyue was uncertain of the intent behind the invitation. As the daughter-in-law, she ought to visit the palace, but Lan Yixuan's silence meant that if she entered alone, it would merely become a source of amusement for the other idle women. Besides, that person was not her biological mother, and such ridicule hardly seemed worthwhile.

However, it presented an opportunity; should she encounter Lan Yixuan, she could seek clarity.

Xianyue tucked the invitation away and returned it to Bai Pingting. Addressing the eunuch, she said, "The queen's kindness is noted. Please wait here while I change into suitable attire so we may proceed together."

Upon hearing this, the young eunuch promptly replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

Having lain on the ground, her pristine white robes had become slightly soiled. Xianyue allowed Bai Pingting to assist her in washing her face and changing into clean garments before departing for the palace with the eunuch. Bai Pingting naturally accompanied her, along with Lei Yun and Lei An, making for a party of five.

As they entered the imperial palace, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the grounds, and the time was still early enough that the palace had not yet lit its lanterns.

The royal palace of Lan Country was esteemed for its elegance, akin to its inhabitants, imbued with an air of literary refinement. The landscape was dotted with artificial hills and flowing streams, adorned with entwining green vines. Following the lead of the eunuch, Xianyue walked alongside Bai Pingting, with Lei Yun and Lei An trailing behind. As they navigated the winding corridors, the palace's singing eunuchs and palace maids, though they had never seen Xianyue before, recognized her presence due to the company of Lei Yun and Lei An, along with the cinnabar mark between her brows, and they all paused to bow in respect.

The banquet was to be held in Ganquan Hall. By the time they arrived, the hour had grown late. The beautiful palace lanterns hung high, illuminating the surroundings. Xianyue's arrival could hardly be considered tardy, but it was certainly not early either. Inside Ganquan Hall, clusters of people had already gathered, resplendent in their fine garments, engaged in animated conversation punctuated by bursts of laughter.

Standing at the entrance of Ganquan Hall, Xianyue quickly surveyed her surroundings. Among the dispersed groups, one area boasted a larger gathering of youthful and beautiful young women, with a few extravagantly dressed men in the center. One man, in his resplendent royal attire, stood tall with a refined demeanor, exuding an air of tranquility as he smiled gracefully amidst the crowd.

"Lei Yun."

Noticing the direction of Xianyue's gaze, Lei An tugged at Lei Yun's sleeve, his worried eyes flitting between Lan Yixuan and Xianyue.

"Princess."

Xianyue turned to meet Bai Pingting's anxious eyes and smiled, patting her hand. "I'm fine."